Tests, Products, and Tips to Treat Oily Skin
Determining if you have oily skin involves observing your skin’s behavior and characteristics. There are several signs and tests you can use to identify if your skin is oily. One sign is a shiny appearance, especially on the T-zone, which includes the forehead, nose, and chin, making your skin look shiny or greasy. You may also experience frequent breakouts, including blackheads and pimples. In addition to this, your pores may be more noticeable and appear larger, particularly around the nose and cheeks. Another indicator is that your makeup tends to slide off or not stay in place for long periods. Lastly, your skin may feel greasy to the touch a few hours after cleansing.
It is important to know how to detect our skin type and choose the right products for oily skin in order to guarantee clean skin, free of dirt and breakouts.
Simple tests for oily skin
If you are not sure whether you have oily skin or not, you can try with these simple tests: the blotting sheet test and the bare-faced test.
To perform the blotting sheet test, start by cleansing your face with a gentle cleanser and patting it dry. Then, wait for an hour without applying any skincare products or makeup. After this, gently press blotting paper or a tissue on different areas of your face. If the paper picks up noticeable oil and becomes translucent, it is likely that you have oily skin.
For the bare-faced test, begin by cleansing your face with a gentle cleanser and patting it dry. Next, wait for a few hours without applying any skincare products or makeup. After a few hours, observe your skin for signs of oiliness, shine, or greasiness, particularly on the T-zone.
Bear in mind that the climate and environment can affect our skin. Humid and hot climates can make skin appear oilier. Consider if your skin changes with the seasons. Moreover, using products not suited for your skin type can affect oil production. Ensure you are using non-comedogenic and oil-free products if you suspect oily skin. It is always highly advisable to consult with a dermatologist who can provide a professional assessment of your skin type.
What products shall I use with oily skin?
If you have oily skin, selecting the right beauty products can help manage excess oil and prevent breakouts. Learn which are the essential beauty products and their specific characteristics suited for this type of skin:
Cleansers: Try to use foaming or gel cleansers because they help remove excess oil without stripping the skin.
Toners: Alcohol-free toners are perfect for oily skin because they help to remove residual oil and tighten pores without over-drying.
Moisturizers: Oil-free, non-comedogenic moisturizers are ideal to hydrate the skin without clogging pores.
Sunscreen: Oil-free, sunscreen provides sun protection without making the skin greasy. If you want it to be even more effective, you can use matte finish sunscreen.
Exfoliators: Chemical exfoliants help to unclog pores and control oil production. Every time you use exfoliators make sure you use the correct product for your skin and do not overuse them since you can damage your skin.
Serums: Niacinamide serums are a good option to regulate oil production and improve skin texture as niacinamide is generally well-tolerated by all skin types, including sensitive skin. It is a soothing solution for those with reactive skin.
Masks: Clay masks absorb excess oil and detoxify the skin. It is usually advisable to use them at least once or twice a week.
Primers: Although primers are not advisable for all types of skin, if you decide to use one and you have oily skin, use mattifying primers since they control shine and create a smooth base for makeup.
Makeup: Oil-free foundations provide coverage without contributing to oiliness. Always make sure that your makeup is oil-free since oily makeup is the main reason for clogged pores.
Blotting papers: blotting papers help to absorb excess oil throughout the day without disturbing makeup.
Tips for managing oily skin
If you want to manage your oily skin properly, a good extra tip is to avoid over-washing because washing your face too often can strip the skin, prompting more oil production. In addition to this, when you wash your face, use warm water as hot water can strip natural oils, while cold water may not effectively remove oil and dirt.
Finally, clean your makeup brushes regularly. This may sound exaggerated or a bit obvious but dirty brushes can harbor oil and bacteria, contributing to breakouts. If you want to effectively manage oily skin and maintain a healthy complexion use these products and follow these recommendations to get rid of the unwanted oil on your skin.
